Gili Islands travel Tips

What To Do & Don't At Gili Islands

Gili Island Travel Tips

For years the islands of Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan were a budget-priced stopover for travelers on the Asian trail, but in recent years accommodation options have diversified and now there are luxury villas and rustic-chic bungalows dotted between the simple bamboo-and-thatch huts for rent. Delightfully free of cars and motorcycles, the Gilis are home to just the tinkling Cidomo and the odd bicycle.

Each Gili has its own character and charm – Trawangan has a big party scene, Meno is very mellow and Air’s atmosphere falls somewhere between the two. Note that, in most places in the Gili Islands, the water comes from wells and is a bit saline.

The following some tips and suggestions Do and Don’t while on Gili Islands.

Getting To Gili Island Avoiding Bangsal Harbor

1

Many visitors are trying to avoid Bangsal Harbor because of its hassles from local boys and street sellers, but if you have no choice, go straight to the ticketing office located on the beach and ignore to any offer from the boys who may say that the boat has already gone, or you must charter. Register yourself and wait till the list is full.

Getting to the Boat

2

You have to get your feet wet when you board the small boats for the Gili islands especially when the low tide because the water is to shallow for the boat to land to the shore, use slippers/sandals and short.

Mange Your Stuff

3

Do not let the local porters carry your bags for whatever reason. This guys are usually try to be gentle or act like a boatman crew. They often charge an expensive and unreasonable amount. If you have to pay, a regular porter cost is about Rp. 1000-2000/bag.

Local Boys , Beach Vendor and Common Issue

4

Do not buy any mosquitoes coil from some kids at the harbor, as they are trying to sell things at the highest they can. There are lots of shops on the Islands selling those stuffs with better prices.

5

Do not try to look at the things that they offers, and do not make any promises to say “maybe later”. Those guys can recognize your face and ask for the promises.

6

When you returned from the Islands, many kids brings water to wash your foot. At first you may feel convenient, but at the end they ask some money. Give them some school needs i.e: pens, or writing book. It’s better not to let them do anything to you.

Public Transportation

7

Carry small changes to pay public buses or taxi. Call the taxi operator: 627000 (Lombok taxi) if you need to be picked up. If you have to go by private car, try to fix the price first rather than argue at the end of the journey. or Call us before leave the island at +62 370 6650238 for comfortable private car and reasonable price.

Beach Activities ( Swimming, Snorkelling, Sunbathe)

8

Stone fish are found on the coral reefs where they are camouflaged and almost invisible. watch your steps they are poisonous if stepped on.

9

Also, be aware of strong currents while swimming or snorkeling. It is best to ask the advice of a dive master before swimming alone.

10

Jelly Fish is almost invisible on the water. It looks like a crystal/plastic, but very dangerous. Some kind of jelly fish is making your skin itchy, and some are poisoning.

11

Use a high protection of Sun Cream. The weather can be very hot on the afternoon.

12

Do not leave any valuable belongings unattended at the beach while swimming or snorkeling. Ask for a deposit box at the hotel where you stay.